Oh the newborn stage, it’s a beautiful, terrifying, exhausting time, and although you were so excited to capture it, when the occasion comes to head out for your Newborn Shoot, I know so many of us would just prefer to stay home in our bubble rather than leave the house. Trust me, I’ve been there!
However, I’m here to reassure you that capturing your baby’s first portraits is absolutely worth it. Your Newborn Photographer is there to handle the details, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy watching your baby being photographed!
I know your first newborn shoot can be overwhelming, so here’s some tips on getting ready for your Newborn Photography Shoot.
1. Newborn shoots can take a while!
I generally allow 3-4 hours for a newborn session, this is so we can take things at baby’s pace, allowing for plenty of soothing, snuggles, feedings and changing. With this in mind, I always advise my clients to be prepared for this.
Here at Ellie Dean Photography I provide tea, coffee and snacks for your session, so find out if your photographer also does, and otherwise come prepared with some nibblies! If you’re coming in the outfit you want to be photographed in, bring a change of clothes, something comfortable to sit around in so you can relax, which brings us to the next point…
2. The studio is kept warm
Especially if you’re wanting some unwrapped/nappy only shots of your baby, the studio is kept toasty warm, so dress in layers! I mean it, it can get HOT in the studio, I often have clients strip down to their singlet to shake the heat! So dress in layers, and keep up with your fluids, and of course take a step outside anytime you need a break!
3. Pack extra
Because newborn sessions take a while, and allow for extra feedings and soothing, we’ll often go through extra nappies and milk, so make sure to pack a few, and if you’re bottle feeding bring along more than you ordinarily would!
4. Shooting with siblings
If you’re having a sibling attend a session, I always recommend they come with another caregiver, who can bring them either at the start or end of the session, and then take them home, there isn’t a whole lot for a little one to do for the whole 3 hours remaining in the session, especially if we’re trying to ask them to be quiet while their little sibling sleeps! It’s also great to meet the photographer beforehand, especially with toddlers, so they’re more comfortable on the day – which is one of the reasons why we have the consultation beforehand!
5. Communicate with your photographer
The postpartum stage is full on – and trust me we understand! If there is anything at all that is on your mind, please do share it with your photographer. Feeling particularly anxious about how other people handle your baby – let us know. Have a very specific shot you’re dying to have captured – let us know. Want to ensure your baby is in view the entire time – let us know!
Every mum is different, as every Newborn Photography Shoot is different – but we are customising it for you so of course we want to know your specific preferences, so please don’t be shy, I’m here to make your experience as enjoyable as possible for you!
6. Let us know of any special items
I love to see beautiful keepsakes so please don’t hesitate to let your photographer know if there are any you’d like to use in your Newborn Photography Shoot! I’ve had beautiful blankets knit by a grandparent, keepsake teddy bears gifted to baby, even a wooden car handcrafted by grandpa! These are uniquely your baby’s so please do let your photographer know if there is anything you’d like to bring along and incorporate into your session.
7. Let us know if there are any specific shots you need.
Your photographer has probably already asked you this – but its worth repeating! If you’re looking for something specific for your finished product, please let us know. For example, if you’re wanting a full album and lots of detail shots like hands, feet, ears, or if you have a specific spot in your home that requires a specific shape of canvas, or colour scheme. Communicating these things to your Newborn Photographer means we can have this in mind when setting up the style of your session, and while shooting.
These are just some little tips that hopefully help you feel like you’re fully prepared in the lead up to your session, but if you’re worried – please do not hesitate to reach out to your newborn photographer! Here at Ellie Dean Photography, I’m not just here to capture these portraits for you, but to provide you with a full service experience, so that all your needs are taken care of!